2008 PETERBILT 388 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
0
Owner Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2008 PETERBILT 388
The 2008 PETERBILT 388 has received a total of 0 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 19 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS.
Recalls for the 2008 PETERBILT 388
NHTSA has recorded 19 recalls for the 2008 PETERBILT 388, potentially affecting up to 1,395,121 vehicles.
Recall 20V199000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 460,515 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the...
Consequence: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer...
View full details →Recall 20V199000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
| 460,515 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the...
Consequence: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer...
View full details →Recall 15V132000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 213,230 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail...
Consequence: If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.
View full details →Recall 15V132000 — TIRES
| 213,230 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail...
Consequence: If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.
View full details →Recall 14V145000 — SERVICE BRAKES
| 474 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Peterbilt 365, 367, 388, 389 trucks manufactured October 6, 2007, through September 23, 2013. The affected vehicles were built with 16.5" x 7" front drum brakes and Bendix ES-420 brake linings installed on front axles rated to carry between 20,001 and 22,000 lbs GAWR and larger SLR (20.5" to 21.5") tires,...
Consequence: The improper brake configuration could lengthen the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install new 16.5" x 7" brake shoes with ES-600 linings, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact at Peterbilt at 1-800-473-8372. Peterbilt's number for this recall is...
View full details →Recall 13V593000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 561 vehicles affected
Defect: Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain 2004-2013 Peterbilt 379, 357, 378, 367, 388, 365, 389, 385 and 386 trucks manufactured from April 3, 2003, through October 25, 2013 and equipped with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle. The affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross...
Consequence: As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.
View full details →Recall 11V380000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 211 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 KENWORTH T660, T700, AND T800 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2010, THROUGH MAY 13, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2008, 2010, AND 2011 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388 AND 587 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 11, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES AND EATON ULTRASHIFT DM OR ALLISON...
Consequence: IF THE FAST IDLE CONTROL FUNCTION IS ENGAGED WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR, THE VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE AND OVERRIDE THE PARKING BRAKE AND , CREATING A RISK OF A CRASH AND DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLES OR PROPERTY AND THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO NEARBY PEDESTRIANS.
Remedy: KENWORTH AND PETERBILT DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE SOFTWARE FOR THE AFFECTED CHASSIS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 10V634000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
| 12,873 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 KENWORTH AND PETERBILT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2, 2006 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2007. THE BEARING SURFACES OF THE EXTENDED LUBE UNIVERSAL JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE INTER-AXLE DRIVELINE TO THE DRIVE AXLE MAY BECOME PREMATURELY WORN DUE TO BREAKDOWN OF LUBRICATION AND/OR EXCESSIVE HEAT. PREMATURELY WORN BEARING SURFACES MAY RESULT IN THE U-JOINT BECOMING...
Consequence: DETACHMENT OF THE DRIVELINE FROM THE AXLE MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND BECOME DISABLED IN THE ROADWAY. ALSO, THE DRIVELINE COULD DROP FROM THE VEHICLE INTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: PACCAR IS WORKING WITH ITS SUPPLIER TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 11V127000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
| 4,664 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 KENWORTH T2000, T660, T700, T800, AND W900, AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, AND 587 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES. THE OIL MODULE CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP IN THE PACCAR MX ENGINE MAY BECOME LOOSE, POSSIBLY ALLOWING THE CAP TO COME OFF AND ENGINE...
Consequence: THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-TORQUE THE OIL MODULE FILTER CAP AND INSTALL A SECONDARY RETENTION DEVICE ON THE SECONDARY CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS...
View full details →Recall 10V308000 — STEERING:COLUMN
| 9,697 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW STEERING SHAFTS. THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD AROUND THE STEERING SHAFT TUBE THAT WELDS THE SPLINED TUBE TO THE NON-SPLINED TUBE MAY BE MISLOCATED. MISLOCATION OF THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD MAY ALLOW THE SPLINED TUBE AND NON-SPLINED TUBE TO ROTATE RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER DURING A LOW SPEED, HIGH TORQUE TURN, POSSIBLY...
Consequence: A SEPARATION OF THE SPLINED AND NON-SPLINED TUBES WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING SHAFT USING A WELD PLACEMENT GAUGE PROVIDED BY TRW. ANY STEERING SHAFT FOUND TO HAVE BEEN WELDED IMPROPERLY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT...
View full details →Recall 08V487000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
| 4,883 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING 4,883 MY 2006-2009 KENWORTH T600, T660, T800, W900, T2000 AND MY 2008-2009 PETERBILT 365, 367, 379, 384, 386, 387, 388 AND 389 TRUCKS. INADEQUATE STIFFNESS OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) BRACKET COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE DPF FROM THE CHASSIS.
Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IF ANOTHER VEHICLE STRIKES THE DPF ON THE ROADWAY.
Remedy: PACCAR IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES (PLEASE SEE 08E041). OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986 OR KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 08V104000 — TRAILER HITCHES
| 318 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING 318 MY 2007-2009 KENWORTH T800, W900, AND PETERBILT 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, AND 389 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PREMIER TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLIES. THE PINTLE HITCH ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED IN A MANNER RESULTING IN A REDUCTION OF FATIGUE STRENGTH OF THE PIVOT PINS.
Consequence: THIS REDUCTION OF FATIGUE STRENGTH COULD CAUSE THE PIVOT PIN TO CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK, CAUSING THE TRAILER TO DETACH FROM THE TRUCK WHILE IN MOTION, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH THAT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE PIVOT PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 08V065000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
| 6,169 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING 6,169 MY 2008 KENWORTH T300, T660, T800, T2000, W900 AND C500 VEHICLES AND MY 2008-2009 PETERBILT MODELS 365, 367, 384, 387, 388, 389 AND 389 KITS. CERTAIN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES ON THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS." THE ROTOR IN SOME...
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, FORCE COULD CAUSE THE ROTOR TO CRACK AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT HAVE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY CLOSING SECURITY WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO INJURY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: PACCAR IS WORKING WITH TRIMARK AND WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH IF IT IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 08V002000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 2,794 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EATON SYNFLEX ECLIPSE BRAND EXTRUDED NYLON AIR BRAKE HOSE TUBING FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THE TUBING WAS MANUFACTURED WITH ONLY FOUR LAYERS OF NYLON MATERIAL, INSTEAD OF THE SPECIFIED FIVE LAYERS.
Consequence: THE DIAMETER OF THE HOSE AFFECTS THE FITTINGS WHICH MAY ALLOW AIR TO LEAK FROM THE BRAKES AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BRAKE HOSES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2008. OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 07V591000 — STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
| 559 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN KENWORTH AND PETERBILT HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TAS-85 TRW STEERING GEARS, THE INNER SURFACE OF THE OUTER SECTOR SHAFT TEETH OF THE STEERING GEARS MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT INVOLUTE PROFILE, WHICH MAY LEAD TO CHIPPING AND DAMAGE OF THE GEARING SYSTEM.
Consequence: THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE MAY CAUSE A "BIND/STICK" CONDITION IN THE VEHICLE STEERING DURING A TURN INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE ANY SUSPECT TAS-85 STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.
View full details →Recall 07V409000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
| 319 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN PETERBILT TRUCKS, THE LONGITUDINAL SEAMS ON THE FUEL TANKS WERE FABRICATED USING AN INCORRECT WELD SPEED FOR THE GIVEN MATERIAL THICKNESS. THIS ERROR RESULTED IN A WELD WHICH DID NOT COMPLETELY PENETRATE THE ENTIRE MATERIAL THICKNESS.
Consequence: FUEL TANKS POSSESSING THIS DEFECT COULD LEAK DIESEL FUEL IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.
View full details →Recall 07V132000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
| 245 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE AXLE HOUSINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH STEEL THAT WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FATIGUE FAILURE OVER TIME.
Consequence: IF A FATIGUE FAILURE OCCURS AND IS LEFT UNATTENDED, THE AXLE MAY LOCK UP OR THE END OF THE AXLE COULD COME OFF, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AXLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 06V490000 — SUSPENSION
| 3,246 vehicles affected
Defect: ON SOME PETERBILT TRUCKS, CERTAIN PARTS USED IN THE AIR SUSPENSIONS HAVE A HIGH COPPER CONTENT CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE.
Consequence: FAILURE COULD CAUSE ERRATIC VEHICLE HANDLING WHICH CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, WHEN NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
View full details →Recall 07V287000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
| 618 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS BUILT WITH CUMMINS ISM C876 ENGINES, THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILS TO RECOGNIZE INPUTS OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OR FROM A DRIVER ACTUATED DASH SWITCH THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF UNINTENDED (OR UNEXPECTED) ELEVATED EXHAUST TEMPERATURES.
Consequence: WHILE THIS CONDITION DOES NOT INVOLVE A RISK OF FIRE IN THE VEHICLE ITSELF, IT COULD PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD IN A SITUATION WHERE THE VEHICLE'S EXHAUST IS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MATERIALS OR SUBSTANCES THAT CAN MELT, BURN, OR EXPLODE.
Remedy: CUMMINS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH PACCAR, WILL CONDUCT THE REMEDY CAMPAIGN. CUMMIS WILL INSTALL NEW ECM SOFTWARE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357, PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201 OR KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2008 PETERBILT 388
No complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 PETERBILT 388.
Safety Rating for the 2008 PETERBILT 388
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 PETERBILT 388 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 PETERBILT 388
No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 PETERBILT 388
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the PETERBILT 388
- 2004 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2005 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2006 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2007 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2008 PETERBILT 388 (current)
- 2009 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2010 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2011 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2012 PETERBILT 388 — 1 complaint
- 2013 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
Other PETERBILT Models
- PETERBILT 379 — 76 total complaints
- PETERBILT 579 — 52 total complaints
- PETERBILT PETERBILT — 40 total complaints
- PETERBILT 389 — 34 total complaints
- PETERBILT 357 — 19 total complaints
- PETERBILT 386 — 14 total complaints
- PETERBILT 387 — 14 total complaints
- PETERBILT 567 — 11 total complaints